Intraoperative MRI for Pituitary Adenomas.

ABSTRACT

Since the 1990s, MRI scanners have been incorporated into the operating room environment. Studies of the use of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) for pituitary adenomas have shown that images are highly sensitive and specific for residual tumor detection, especially at higher Tesla magnet strengths. Given this accuracy, iMRI also increases the rates of achieving gross total resection (GTR). Owing to the slow-growing nature of pituitary adenomas, comparison of long-term control rates with and without use of iMRI remains to be studied, but the increased rates of GTR with this technology are promising for improved long-term outcomes.